Popular brand influencer and comedian Admire Mushambi, widely known as Mama Vee, has filed a defamation lawsuit against musician Holy Ten, seeking a public retraction and US$100,000 in damages. The lawsuit stems from allegations that Holy Ten made defamatory statements accusing Mama Vee of being homosexual and having a negative influence on society.

The legal action, initiated by Mama Vee’s legal representatives, Sadowera & Kuwana Legal Practitioners, follows a series of incidents in which Holy Ten allegedly made derogatory remarks about Mama Vee on social media and during a podcast interview.

According to the letter of demand dated 19 March 2025, Holy Ten published a video on his Instagram page (@holytemnusic) on 4 March 2025, in which he referred to Mama Vee as a “Ngochani,” a Shona term meaning homosexual. The letter further alleges that Holy Ten repeated these claims during an interview with Owen Madondo, popularly known as DJ Ollah 7, on the DJ Ollah 7 podcast show on 18 March 2025.

During the podcast, Holy Ten reportedly stated that Mama Vee was a bad influence on young people and did not deserve the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). The musician also allegedly greeted Mama Vee with the term “Ngochani” during a chance encounter on a flight from South Africa to Zimbabwe on 10 March 2025, an incident he referenced during the podcast.

Mama Vee’s legal team argues that these statements were “untrue, malicious, and defamatory,” causing significant harm to his personal and professional reputation. As a brand influencer representing over 15 reputable companies, Mama Vee relies heavily on his public image. The lawsuit claims that the defamatory remarks have led to the withdrawal of partnerships and financial losses for Mama Vee.

“Our client’s reputation has been damaged to the extent that some of the partnerships and brands he has been working with have since withdrawn their working relationship with him,” the letter states. “He has suffered financial loss as a consequence and has also been affected emotionally due to the negative comments on social media platforms.”

Mama Vee’s legal representatives have demanded that Holy Ten issue a public retraction of the statements within 48 hours of receiving the letter. Additionally, they are seeking $100,000 in monetary compensation for damages caused by the alleged defamation.

“We trust that you will take this matter seriously and respond promptly to avoid further legal consequences,” the letter concludes.